From Frustrated to Delighted: Why the EV Charging Experience Matters for Hotel Guests

By Andy Gray | CCO & Divisional Director, Destination Charging , Go Zero

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Picture this: a time-critical business trip, low battery and no certainty of finding a working EV charger en route. That was the reality recently faced by James, a senior marketing strategist from Leeds. Tasked with delivering a highly important product strategy presentation to prospective clients near Reading, James’ experience highlights just how crucial seamless EV charging is, especially for business travellers.

From Leeds to Gridlock: When Plans Go Off Course

James had planned to leave Leeds at 4:30am to allow time for traffic delays and preparation before his 8:30am presentation. Unfortunately, a late start and the infamous congestion of the M1 quickly threw his schedule out of the window. What should have been a routine journey became frustrating and time-pressured, compounded by a low state of charge.

2% Battery, 0% Support

Despite the delays, James arrived at the client’s site (albeit 40 minutes late) with just 2% charge remaining. Spotting an EV charger in the car park brought a brief sense of relief… until he discovered the unit was offline, with no explanation and no alternative nearby.

With little time to problem-solve, James entered the meeting hoping his pitch would overshadow the chaos. Fortunately, his professionalism carried him through, but his attention quickly returned to the inevitable challenge of finding a charger for the next leg of his journey.

A Tense Drive, Then a Turning Point

With just 6 miles of range remaining and his hotel located 8 miles away, James decided to take the risk of driving. To his relief, the hotel had clearly marked EV bays, and better yet, the process was simple: scan a QR code, view transparent pricing and start charging.

Thanks to Go Zero's intuitive booking system, James had pre-booked a charging bay in advance, which is a feature that gave him peace of mind in an otherwise unpredictable day. Finally, he could relax, knowing his vehicle (and day) was being recharged.

The Power of a Smooth Charging Experience

By the next morning, James' car was fully charged and ready for the next meeting. The experience left a lasting impression.

Go Zero delivered what every EV-driving guest wants:

·      Clearly marked bays

·      Transparent pricing

·      A seamless booking and payment system

·      Reliable hardware

These are the kinds of thoughtful, guest-focused solutions that make a hotel stay stand out and build brand loyalty.

Conclusion

James’ journey is a good reminder that EV charging is no longer a “nice to have”, it’s essential. For business travellers, the reliability and ease of charging can make or break a trip. Go Zero understands this and is helping hotels stay ahead by offering smart, future-ready charging solutions.